2018 Audi Q5 3.0L Petrol · AF68 UDW

The most recent DVSA examination on 20 October 2025 resulted in a Pass, which confirms that the vehicle met the minimum statutory roadworthiness standards at that time. A single advisory was raised regarding front brake pads wearing thin, while the recurring windscreen damage was again recorded as a minor defect not adversely affecting the driver's view. Reviewing the broader test history, the maintenance trend appears broadly stable rather than deteriorating; the vehicle has passed every test since 2021, with the only failure recorded in October 2024 being a minor windscreen issue and a major rear registration plate defect that has since been remedied. The pattern of consistent advisories relating to brake pad wear, tyre condition, and windscreen damage is typical of an older premium SUV in regular use and does not in itself indicate neglect, though the recurrence of brake and tyre advisories over successive tests suggests these consumables are reaching the end of their service life on a known cycle. With a recorded mileage of 64,060 miles over an eight-year period, this Q5 averages approximately 8,000 miles per year, which is broadly typical for its age and segment. There is no evidence of unusually low mileage that might raise concerns about prolonged standing, such as severe brake disc corrosion, seized calipers, or fuel system deterioration from infrequent use. Equally, the mileage is not high enough to suggest imminent major drivetrain concerns, although at this age and distance, items such as the timing chain tensioner (on the 2.0 TFSI engines common in this model), turbocharger wear, dual-clutch gearbox mechatronics, and suspension components will inevitably be approaching the point at which attention is required. Any significant gaps between annual mileages could not be reliably established from the MOT record alone, but the consistency of testing suggests the vehicle has remained in active service throughout its life. Given the advisory for front brake pads wearing thin recorded at the most recent test, this is the most pressing item for a prospective buyer to verify. The pads will likely require replacement imminently, and it is prudent to inspect the front brake discs at the same time, as worn pads frequently accelerate disc wear and scoring, particularly on a vehicle of this weight. On a test drive, listen for any brake shudder or vibration through the pedal under firm application, which would indicate disc distortion, and check for pulling to one side under braking which could suggest a binding caliper. The front discs on a Q5 are particularly susceptible to corrosion at the inner and outer edges, so a visual inspection for lipping and surface pitting is worthwhile. The earlier advisories for rear brake pad wear and multiple tyres worn close to the legal limit with cracking and perishing further confirm that braking and tyre replacement intervals have been typical for the mileage, and any remaining original rubber should be examined carefully. The repeated minor advisories for windscreen damage in the driver's primary viewing zone, whilst not currently failing, indicate a stone chip or crack that has been present for some years and may eventually propagate to the point of test failure, particularly given the effects of thermal cycling and vibration. A buyer should also focus on age-related items not fully captured in the MOT record, including verification of the full service history to confirm timely replacement of brake fluid (typically every two years), coolant, and transmission fluid, as calendar-based fluid degradation can cause issues regardless of low mileage. The 12V battery, often hidden in the boot or under the bonnet on these models, should be tested for state of health, as Audi vehicles are particularly sensitive to voltage drops that can trigger electrical warning lights. Finally, inspect the underside for any signs of rear differential oil seepage, check the suspension bushes and anti-roll bar links for the clunks commonly associated with this chassis, and confirm that the quattro system has been regularly serviced, as neglect of the drivetrain fluids is a known weak point on higher-mileage Q5s.